You Look Good

For what it's worth, I was reluctant to tell most friends and acquaintances that I was receiving PCa treatment for the exact reasons (and frustrations) you raised. I didn't want it to be a major part of our ongoing discussions.

This worked well for me. For the few (i.e., two) close friends that I decided to alert about my treatment, yes, it became a major part of our discussions. I didn't really like that, but it wasn't too bad since there were only two other people involved. Quite managable this way.

Other people can be legitimately interested and concerned for you, so I get why they would be inclined to inquire. What they likely don't appreciate is that the process of providing updates to everyone everyday gets old. It's also something you'd prefer to not to dwell on.

Right. When we socialize we want to think about something other than the PC. Way more fun, at least for us.

Just when your are finally able to stop thinking about the trauma, someone is there to remind you.

YES..I have found that the word cancer causes some people to not want to be around you, OR NOT want you in their homes etc..for example, I used to have dinner with my neighbors across the street a few times a month..I told them about my diagnosis it has now been 3 months and no more invitations...I was a bit shocked but now realize there is still cancer fear and stigma out there...prob best not to share too much...at least my cats dont seem to be put off by it..they actually started sitting on me quite a bit early in the year to the point I wondered if I had some kind of illness...their looks of concern kinda rattled me a bit..turns out they knew..I assume they can smell cancer..it does have a slight smell...maybe not unpleasant but certainly a hint of something..when I smell myself now and then.

I guess since I am retired and a bit of a loner anyway, I dont have to explain or share with many at all..glad I didn put it up on FB !

I have been quite open about my diagnosis with friends and teammates and, since my diagnosis nine months ago, I started a weight training program which has resulted in a viable gain in upper body muscle definition so, when someone says that I look good, I accept the complement gracefully.
However, I purposefully didn't disclose my diagnosis to my cycling coach because he had me riding in the intermediate group with athletes twenty years my junior and I didn't want him to move me into the "recreational" group with men my own age, sixty-seven. I have my pride.
The training period runs from March to June and I thought I could guard my secret for those four months as long as my performance didn't decrease in any obvious fashion.
On the final training day - one week prior to the big competition - Coach took me aside and told me he knew the entire time that I was being treated for PC but he kept the performance bar high for me because he knew that's what I wanted. And that's why he's the coach.
I would later undergo thirty sessions of radiation during which I continued to cycle, even on days when I had diarrhea - I just mapped out routes with evenly spaced public toilets. And, two weeks post treatment, I rode the Peninsula Century Fall Challenge up in Door County, WI - 101 miles in just over six hours moving time.
For a guy as ugly as me, it's rare for a woman to say that I look good and I'll take the compliment.